Suspension seatpost brings big comfort to gravel and tarmac roads

The parallelogram design maintains saddle tilt through the post’s 20 millimeters of travel.

What is it

Cane Creek’s eeSilk seatpost brings 20 millimeters of tunable, vertical cushion to road or gravel bikes. At 295 grams it is comparable in weight to traditional rigid performance seatposts while offering cushioned compliance that aims to improve control on rough surfaces and reduce fatigue on long rides. The eeSilk Post comes only in 27.2mm diameter, but Cane Creek offers a wide variety of seatpost shims to accommodate virtually any round seat tube larger than 27.2mm up to 31.8mm. The Cane Creek eeSilk is also Di2 battery compatible.

Pros

Takes edge off rough roads in subtle, almost invisible way

Increased comfort without huge weight penalty

Top notch build quality and hardware

Cons

Expensive at nearly $300

RoadBikeReview’s Take

Weighing only 295 grams, that’s pretty light for any seatpost, let alone a suspension seatpost. To lend context, a Thomson Elite in 330mm x 27.2mm weighs 241 grams. The eeSilk is 350mm x 27.2mm. Less than 50 grams is a small weight penalty to pay for the comfort delivered.

Included with the post are soft and firm elastomers (in addition to the medium already installed) and a small tool used when making an elastomer change.

The stiffness of the post can be tuned via different elastomer inserts. Those elastomers are available in extra soft, soft, medium, firm, and extra firm. The post arrives with the medium installed and it is recommended for riders weighing between 150 and 210 pounds. Also included are the soft and firm elastomers. Others are available aftermarket.

Anyone with a history using elastomer suspension may take pause at the material’s in use here. In below freezing temperatures, it’s true that the bumpers can harden. Cane Creek’s engineers were helpful here, mentioning that depending on your weight, terrain, and personal preference you may prefer a firmer or a more active setup. I rode with the stock medium elastomer fitted and it worked nicely for my 150-pound weight. The post never felt like it was bobbing on smooth surfaces and it certainly took the edge off of rougher roads, noticeably reducing vibrations transmitted to the rider. It’s a subtle difference with big ramifications. The longer the ride, the more benefit you’ll see. The parallelogram design maintains a consistent saddle tilt but there’s no getting around the small change in seat height.

The lower rear pivot can be taken apart in order to change out the elastomer.

As mentioned above, the eeSilk post is offered in a 350mm length in a 27.2mm diameter and that’s the only size available. But with $9 accessory adapters, it can be fitted to seat tubes up to 31.8mm. Likewise, the only setback option is 8 millimeters, a nice middle ground that should work for a large portion of the cycling population. The post is Di2 compatible and carries a 330-pound weight limit.

While the post is a bit pricey at nearly $300, the aluminum construction is top notch and the hardware is titanium. Ultimately, three Benjamins may be a great way to make the bike you already own more comfortable than ever, no matter where you ride.

The Cane Creek eeSilk suspension seatpost provides extra comfort without ruining the look of a bike or adding a lot of weight.

Nick Legan is happiest with some grease under his nails and a long dirt climb ahead. As a former WorldTour team mechanic, Legan plied his trade at all the Grand Tours, Spring Classics, World Championships and even the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In recent years, gravel and ultra-distance racing has a firm grip on Legan’s attention, but his love of mountain biking and long road rides hasn’t diminished. Originally a Hoosier, Legan settled in Boulder, Colorado, 14 years ago after finishing his time at Indiana University studying French and journalism. He served as the technical editor at VeloNews for two years and now contributes to Adventure Cyclist, Mtbr and RoadBikeReview. To follow along on Legan’s cycling adventures, find him on Instagram at @nlegan and be sure to check out his new book Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide to Gravel Racing and Adventure Bikepacking.

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